DIY lightsaber is almost as dangerous as an actual lightsaber

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Though we live in a world where we have tiny little computers in our pockets that, depending on the type, can project images to a wall that feature a woman telling you that you’re her only hope, we don’t yet live in a world where we can attach light to a hilt and cut things in half with it. The world we do live in, though, contains handheld lasers that are so powerful that they can instantly set various objects ablaze. YouTube user styropyro took one of those very lasers, attached it to a lightsaber hilt, and burned some things like a true Sith Master would.

The blue laser packs 3000mW, quite a bit more than the standard red laser pointer you use to bug people at the movies. It uses two lithium-ion batteries to maintain its worrying burning power. Styropyro, who is known as the DIY Laser Guy, said he doesn’t normally enjoy owning or operating a laser this powerful, but took one for the team so he could entertain his fans by setting a few things on fire.

As demonstrated in the above video, the laser doesn’t vwinggg around as it moves through the air like a true lightsaber, nor does it start instantly or cleanly slice everything in half. However, the laser saber does quickly burn a hole through and set fire to most things put into its path, including paper, electrical tape, cardboard, a ping pong ball, and a thin wooden splint.

The laser even pushes along a little toy car that runs on solar power, which won’t strike fear into the hearts of Jedi across the universe, but will maybe distract them long enough to sneak in some Force lightning.

Depending on which Star Wars lore to which you adhere, the button on this laser saber might not sit well with you, but it’s one of the only consumer-grade products we currently have that comes close to simulating the Jedi’s favorite toy.